Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Holds Annual General Meeting

On October 28th, The Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the 45th Parliament, following the federal general election in April. The meeting brought together Members of Parliament from all major political parties, reflecting the broad and bipartisan support that continues to characterize Canada’s relationship with Armenia and the Armenian-Canadian community.

During the meeting, MP Michael Coteau (Liberal) was elected as the new Chair of the group, while MP Jean Yip (Liberal), MP Connie Cody (Conservative), and MP Alexis Deschênes (Bloc Québécois) were elected as Vice-Chairs.

The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Anahit Harutyunyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Canada, as well as Sevag Belian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC).

In his remarks on behalf of the ANCC, Mr. Belian expressed appreciation to Members of Parliament from all political parties for their steadfast support and ongoing advocacy on behalf of the Armenian-Canadian community. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to address key issues of concern, including the rights of the people of Artsakh, the release of unlawfully detained Armenian prisoners of war and hostages in Azerbaijan, the protection of Armenian cultural and religious heritage in Artsakh, and the further strengthening of Canada-Armenia relations.

Mr. Belian also extended his congratulations to the newly elected Chair and Vice-Chairs, reaffirming the ANCC’s commitment to maintaining active engagement and collaboration with the Friendship Group in the months ahead.